Did you know that Protos Security is considered one of the fastest-growing guarding companies in North America? Since being acquired by the private equity firm Southfield Capital in 2019, Protos has experienced remarkable growth – acquiring new businesses, increasing our workforce, advancing the proprietary software that first set us apart and broadening our service offerings to include guarding, off-duty, specialized and remote services divisions.
The need for professional security guarding services has seen a steady increase year over year. According to a 2023 report from Statista, the number of security guards employed increased 20,000 from the previous year. The presence of physical guarding is as important as ever, adding a layer of protection to people, property and assets. Not only do they act as a deterrent, but they address potential threats, help maintain order and respond to emergencies.
However, for years, “Big Security” companies have operated under the same outdated model, treating technology as an afterthought. Their approach inevitably leads to slow customer service, unreliable attendance and coverage gaps that put customers at risk. Instead of evolving with market needs, these companies continue to rely on the same processes that fail to provide transparency and accountability that modern security requires. As a result, businesses are left with miscommunications, overbilling and inefficiencies that emphasize the need for a more agile, technologically driven security solution.
When a friend struggled with the failures caused by working with “Big Security” companies, our founders, Chris Copenhaver and Patrick Henderson, saw an opportunity to make a difference. In 2006, they launched Protos Security through an idea that evolved during conversations at a bowling league. Their friend was dealing with unreliable guarding and billing that reflected time planned instead of time spent. This need for accountability and transparency in the guarding industry inspired Chris and Partick to look at the security industry with a new vision, forming the vendor managed guarding company that is Protos.
Protos has not only expanded our market presence since then but also strengthened our company culture. From our humble beginnings to a strategic move from Daleville, VA, to Roanoke, VA, Protos has always been driven by a team committed to innovation, adaptability and never settling. Protos continues to transform the guarding industry through our vendor-managed model, committed teams and comprehensive security solutions that set new industry standards.
In 2008, Protos opened our first office space in Cloverdale, VA, and we grew rapidly, expanding our client portfolio and vendor network. As our program grew, so did the need for more employees and technological advancement. To accommodate these changes, Protos moved to a new office in Daleville in 2014.
Over the last five years, Protos has continued our rapid rate of growth through company acquisitions and enhancing our service offerings and adding to our family of brands. After 11 years in Daleville, our office relocated to downtown Roanoke in 2025. This move established our flagship location in the heart of the city, signifying our continued commitment to growth and enhancing our presence in the community.
“The Roanoke office stands as a testament to the dedication, hard work and growth driven by the incredible team behind our vendor-managed guarding services. Their relentless commitment has made this space—and our success—possible,” stated Dan Acker, Senior Director of Service.
This location is home to more than five departments including: Dispatch, Service, Field Operations, Quality and Finance, among others. Our Service team ensures clear and professional communication to address client needs efficiently. They act as a bridge between local clients and our vendor network, relaying information accurately to ensure seamless service delivery. By effectively coordinating with vendors, they help them understand the required services, ensuring timely and responsive support for our clients.
Working hand-in-hand with Service is our 24/7 Dispatch team. This group is responsible for answering calls from clients, vendors or individual officers; handling issues ranging from providing job site instructions, reporting incidents or connecting with other teams. Kirk Powell, Director of Dispatch states that his team works around the clock to “answer the needs of our clients, represent the company, provide security that never settles and make ensure our services are top-notch.”
While our Service and Dispatch teams manage and relay the requests of clients and vendors, our Field Operations teams work to ensure the fulfillment of them on-site. The Field Operations team plays a crucial role as they make sure that security services are seamless. This team makes regular site visits to make sure both our vendors and clients are satisfied to the highest degree, while also gathering important information to communicate with all teams. Field Operations monitors the standards of service and identifies room for improvement, while also maintaining relations with clients and vendors. By enhancing processes, Field Operations optimizes operational efficiency. All our teams, both in Roanoke and at our other locations across the country, work together to ensure operations run smoothly and our clients receive everything they need.
At Protos, we offer guarding services in a non-traditional way. With our unique model, we leverage a network of 2,800 active security vendors across North America. Our well-vetted and localized network allows for vast and agile coverage, ensuring we can adapt to clients’ needs when, where and how it’s needed. Through the combination of our vendor network, advanced technology and dedicated teams, we offer modern security solutions that prioritize adaptability, transparency and accountability that can’t always be provided by traditional security.
“We are incredibly impressed with our morning security officer. In just a few days, she has become an invaluable part of our team, receiving consistent compliments from both crew members and customers for her engagement, care and attentiveness. We would love to have her as a permanent presence at our store,” shared a Protos client in Culver City, CA.
Protos provides always accountable service with full transparency and real-time accuracy included in our proprietary technology. Our team members are committed to being adaptable and never settling in providing the best service for our clients and enhancing our capabilities.
Protos’ rich history has propelled our growth and continues to reinforce our commitment to excellence. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to never settling, dynamically adapting and providing modern security solutions.
